Syringe assembly



May 6, 1958 G. N. HEIN, JR 2,833,280

SYRINGE ASSEMBLY Filed Deo. 19, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

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BY l Y /42 m, l

vL- v WUR/V575 May 6,1958

G. N. HEIN, JR

SYRINGE ASSEMBLY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 19, 1952 INVENToR. fic/wfg? M15/21h, fr

W M N'QJ finale/Veys United States Patent "ice 2,833,280 SYRINGE ASSEMBLY George N. Hein, Jr., San Carlos, Calif.

Application December 19, 1952, Serial No. 326,907 19 Claims. (Cl. 12S-218) This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved syringe assembly of the hypodermic type.

In its more specific aspects, it is a primary object to provide an assembly of the disposable type and which will operate in an extremely desirable manner; the assembly being discardable after it has once been used.

A further object is that of furnishing an assembly of this character which will include relatively few parts each individually rugged and simple in construction, such parts being largely capable of manufacture by automatic machinery and `being moreover capable of readyy assembly, sterilizing and filling to furnish an apparatus which may be quickly and eiciently operated even by a relatively unskilled user. 4

With these and other objects in find, reference is had to the attached sheets of drawings illustrating practical embodiments of the invention and in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional side view of an assembly `in its initial condition;

Fig. 2 is a similar view with the parts adjusted or shifted so that an injection may be achieved;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. l but showing an alternative form of structure;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line' 4-4 in the direction of the arrows as indicated in Fig.A 3; v

Fig. 5 again shows a view similar to Fig. 1 but illustrating a further form of assembly;

Fig. 6 is a sectional side view of an assembly similar to Fig. 1 and showing the same in position within a holder;

Fig. 7 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6 but showing the parts in partially discharged positions;

Fig. 8 shows the present invention combined with a multi-compartment ampule` structure;

Fig. 9 is a sectional side view of a still further form of assembly; n

. Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9 but showing the position which the parts assume at substantially the completion of the injection;

Fig. l1 shows in sectional side elevation a still further form of assembly; and

Fig. l2 is a sectional side view of a rear portion of a cannula and showing an actuating wire or member attached thereto.

Referring primarily to Figs. 1 and 2, the numeral 15 indicates a barrel or tube preferably formed of glass and which in this embodiment is open at both endsg A wall in the form of a headed stopper including a plug portion 16 closes one end of the barrel or ampule. This stopper is formed with a recess 17 in its inner face which terminates short of the outer face of the head portion. Consequently, a pierceable diaphragm area exists between these parts; the stopper being formed of a material such as rubber. The outer end of recess 17 is conveniently en larged as at 18. A needle 19 has its pointed outer end extending into recess 17 and lying adjacent the diaphragm portion. A wire 20 extends through the body of the stopper and has its rear end secured to the inner end portion of needle 19 which is conveniently offset or bent so as to assure an anchoring of the parts as indicated at 21. The outer end of the wire or member 20 may terminate in a loop 22 or other suitable actuating portion.

The sterility of the outer face of the stopper through the area pierced by the needle 19 may be'mainta'ined by a tab 23. The latter is capable of ready removal from this surface. The rear end of thel tube or barrel 15 is conveniently closed by stopper 24 of thepiston" type. A convenient form of coupling is provided by a stem 25 which may extend from the rear face of this `stopper and be capable of being connected to an actuator 26 so that is will be susceptible to both projection 'and retraction. The interior of the ampule yor barrel is filled with liquid 27 to be injected.

It will be assumed that `the several parts have been cleaned and assembled and that the interior of the ampule has been til-led with the desired solution. If now, an injection is to occur, all that .an operato-r will have to do will be to grasp the outer end 22 of the actuating member 20 and toexert a pull thereon.v Prior to this, tab 23 will have been removed. Due to the coupling between member 20 and needle 19, a pulling action will cause the needle to be projected until itassumes the position ,shown in Fig. 2.' During this projection, care should be ernployed `to prevent a dislodgement of stopper 16. Of course, the latter 4may be manufactured to be secured in one of 'a different number of manners to tube 15 so that it may` not be displaced with respect thereto. When the needle is fully projected, wire 20 may be bent to extend overand around the stopper and back along the outer face of the ampule body 15. So disposed, the needle will be held quite firmly and accordingly, the device may be used as a syringe by simply projecting the barrel and i the associated parts towards the epidermis soV that the .Y Under certain conditions it may be desirable to have the wire or equivalent member bear in sliding engagement with the interior smooth surface of ampule 15 and to` provide an otset needle and rigid guide. This has been shown in Figs. 3 and 4 in which the needle and its wire have been disposed eccentrically with respect to the stopper 28; it being apparent that it is desirablenot Vto have the axes of 'these elements separated to too great an extent. Therefore, the recess 29 in the stopper is disposed in off-center position.

thatv of the wire so that a firm sealing contactis lestablished lwhich will prevent any leakage. Of course, in all instances, it is preferred that the diameter of the stopper plug be Vinitially greater than that of the bore of the. barrel Awhich receives it so that a firm sealing tit is estab- Y lishedbetween these parts. In any event, it will be ap- JL.. it.

parent'that the operation of the assembly as shown in Figs. 3 andf4 will be identical with that heretofore described with respect to Figs. 1 and 2.

Referring to Fig.` 5 there has been shown a container which, instead of being manufactured of glass or similar material Las in the instance of the container or tube 15, is formedof a' exible material. This container has been indicated 4at, 30 and` is preferably manufactured lof a plastic such4 as polyethylene. Its rear end is convenient?,

Patented May 6, 1958 If a coupling of'the The groove accommodating they wire should` have an initial cross-sectional area less than 3 lyelo'sed by an integral wall may bedetned by an outwardly extending bead 31. A stopper 32 seals the forward end of the container and is formed of rubber'. orsimilar material and witha bore finto which the piercingend ofthe needle..19` extends. V-The stopper may additionally include. a. rearwardly extending ange portion `33 which overlaps .thebead 31` and' interlocks with the container soI that there willbe .no-.danger of the stopper being accidentally.displacedfrom sealing relationship with respect to. the body of the .ampule -or tube/30. Instead of off-setting .the rear end of the cannula",19,and wrappingthe adjacent end of wire 20 around thesamespot weldingas at 34 4may beresortedtoto connectthese parts.

IA limited degreeof aspirationis possible .inthis-assembly byA properly manipulating the parts.v In any event, a person desiring to perform an injection will .initially strip "the protecting tabl 23Y or its equivalent from the stOPper. Thereafter by exerting a pull upon wire or rod 20, needle 19 is caused to perforate the diaphragmnportion `of the stopper and be projected beyond the same to its full effective length. ln common with the previously described structure, I,the projected position will be defined by the stopper bore surfaces adequately engaging.' the exterior face of the` cannula so as to support the same. Moreover, the offset rear end `portion of the member 20 will preferably lie in contact with the rear face of the stopper and will serve as a brace to anchor the cannula against any substantial movement with respect to the stopper. 'The latter being in turn anchored against movement` with respect to the container 30, it follows that the entire assembly may be regarded as effectively rigid when the needleV is in projected` position. Any accidentalretraction of the parts .is precluded by extending the wire 20 rearwardly in a manner similar to that` shown in Fig. 2 after needle projection has occurred. The site of injection having been chosen, it follows that the outer end of the Aneedlernay be plunged through the 'epidermis at'this `point and after 'it has penetrated the tissues to the desired depth, the operator may squeeze container 30 so as to collapse the same. Under this action of lthe parts, the medicament 27 will `be expressed through the bore of the cannula and thus the desired hypodermic injection will be effected.

Incertain instances, it may be'desired to employi an assembly of the type shown, for example, in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive ina holder. The assembly will, under these circumstances, also have a one-time use. The holder will be used repeatedly and have an indefinite life.` With this thought in mind, attention is directed toFigs. 6 and 7 which illustrate one form of combination whichmay conveniently be employed. In those views, `the numerals 15, 1920 and 22 are to be regarded as designating the parts of an assembly substantially corresponding to similar parts as heretofore described Aand shown.

an outwardly extending ange 35 for convenient engagement by the fingers of an operator. -Extending forwardly vof this flange will be a tubular part 36 which'isfor'medl with side openings adequate in width to'receive the arnpuleor tube 15. These openings will also be of a length such'that the tube may readily be inserted andremoved therethrough. The forward end ofthe holder is conveniently defined by an inwardly 'extending' flange portion 37. This engages with t-he outer face of the forward stopper 38 of the ampule; such stopper serving to cushion the contact between the assembly and the holder. Moreover, as will'be seen the stopper will be prevented from being outwardly displaced by'this annular flange portion.

The holder will present to the'rearof flange 35 acollar portion' 39 which slidably receives an assembly 'including a'rod "40 having its'forward 'end terminatin'g'in a's'ubstan'tially spherical projection 41. The tlatter' mayY -be received by the socket. or ycup portion 42formed-'in"the rear -face of piston stopper 43. `Rodfitt') is conveniently? A holder" will preferably include a 'base or rear portiondened by portion and its forward cnd formed with a longitudinally extending groove 44 into which the end ofV a pin 45 carried by collar 39 extends. Therefore, rod 40 is prevented from rotating with respect to that collar. A sleeve 46 slidably encircles rod 40 and has direct bearing engagement with the bore of collar 39. This sleeve preferably terminates in a rear flanged part 48 at a point short of .the rear end of rod 40. A spring 49 bears against'this' part as well as against an actuator portion `50 secured to the rear end of the rod. Finally, with respect to this assembly, it will be noted that the tubular portion of 4the holder 'preferably provides a notch or rearwardly extending hookportion, 51.

In using an apparatus of this nature, it will be understood that the ampuleis dropped through'one of the side openings 36 of the tubular holder while the plunger parts are maintained in the position shown in Fig. 6. At that time or Velse after the needle is shifted to projected position, plunger 40 ismoved so thatits spherical or otherwise. curved outer end portionr enters cup or socket 42. During this operation, sleeve 46.rmay be maintained in relatively retracted position by exerting a restraining action on flange-18. Whether this is done or not, however, the forward fiared edge portion 47 of thersleeve will eventually bearupon the flexible lip of cup 42 and` cause it .to be clamped against the rear or diminishing face of portion 41. Under vthese circumstances, stopper 43 `will be secured `against' movement with respect to rod 40 and whetherthelatter is projected or retracted.

Assuming that ithas not previously lbeen done, needle 19 is now projected by exerting a pull on` wire Zllinran outward direction. This will shift the needle to the position showninFig. 7. in order to lock the parts and-,also to .secure the `end of wire 20in a position at which it will not interfere with subsequent operations, the latter maybe passed through the notchV or hook portion` 51 as. also shown in this figure. If now the assemblyis projected towards the epidermis, needle 19 .will piercethe latter andlodge within-underlying tissuesfto the desired depth. Thereafter, if pressure is brought to bear against actuator 50, rod 40 will project to correspondingly project piston 43, and eject medicament through the bore of the cannula. As is apparent, due fto the coupling existing between this piston stopperand the rod, aspiration may be resorted to so that a physician or other attendant will be able to determine whether the outer ,end of theneedleislodged within a vein or not. After injection hasjbeen completed, the rod assembly will be retracted and sleeve, 46 will be shifted rearwardly so as to release the portions of the up` 42 which are .adjacent its lip. Y Now, with retraction-,of the needle and by inserting the finger orvany suitable instrument. through one of the openings 3,6, the ampule assembly may have its rear end dislodged. Therefore, it may be withdrawn and discarded.

'As heretofore described, the rear end of wire 20,rnay be simply coiled around the rear end of the needle in which case the latter is preferably offset; all as indicated at 21. Also, as at 34, the rear end of this wire may be spot welded to the outer face of the cannula. As shown especially in Fig. l2, the rear 4end of the wire 20 may be turned upon itself as at 52 to pass over the rear edge of cannula '19 and extend axially of the same. The hooked rear portion of the-wire is conveniently spot weldedin this case as at 53. Such 4an Varrangement of parts has generally been resorted to inthe structures as shownin Figs. 6 and 7 as well as in Figs. 9, 10, and l1 hereinafter described.

A different arrangement of ksecuring the rod to the can` nula `hasbeen shown in Fig.,8 in whiclrthe wire 54 is,`

for example, spot welded as at 55 to'the outer face of the cannula and is continued beyond the-same. The primary purpose v'of 'this vstructure is that vof providing a multicompartment ampule in which diluent 'may be initially stored in one compartment andmedicament in-th'e other. To Athislendfthe compartmentscnre'der'ined to opposite sides of. astopper-S 'which serves as a partition 'inter-` assenso mediate the ends of tube 15. This stopper is formed with a central opening or bore, normally sealed by a sphere 57 or other suitably shaped body havingla diameter greater than that of the bore so as to establish firm contact with the surfaces dening the latter. In ythis view, thediluent'has been indicated at 53 and the medicament rat 59.

If a unit .of this type is to be employed in connection witha holder of the general character shown in Figs. Gand 7, then a piston-type stopper such Ias 43 having a cup or recess portion 42 may be employed. Otherwise, a stopper such as is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may be utilized. In any event, assuming that the rassembly is ready for use, it is apparent that a pull upon wire 54 will result not alone in a piercing of the forward stopper by the cannula but will also result in sealing element 57 being dislodged Yfrom the stopper 56. Therefore, the diluent 58 may ilow through the bore into contact with the medicament 59. The parts may be agitated or otherwise manipulated so as to assure of the establishment of a proper solution.. Thereafter, piston stopper 43 is projected to force the solution through the bore of stopper 56. With the assembly held in a vertical position, all air will be vented through the bore of the cannula. Finally, stopper 43 will bear against stopper 56. When this position of the parts has been established, or, in any event, when all air has been vented, perforation of the epidermis may be resorted to. Thereafter, by projecting Stoppers 43 and 56, the solution will be forced through the bore of cannula 19 and thus the desired hypodermic injection will be achieved. As will be observed in Fig. 8, the rear face of the stopper is formed with a recess 60 of adequate area to not alone accommodate the rear ends of the cannula and wire 54 adjacent theirpoint of juncture but also to receive the sealing element 57.

In certain instances it may be desired to provide a syringe in which no rearwardly extending plunger or actuator is present. Such a structure has been shown in Figs`.9 and l0. Additionally, there has been shown in these views a Vbead or member 61 which, similarly to the sealing'element 57, may be fused onto the wire 20. In

this case, it will, of course, serve as an actuating elementv en d secured against displacement with respect to this plate and thereafter conveniently extends through the stopper 64.Y This wire also extends through stopper 62 and preferably at a tangent to the axis of the same. Again, its outer end may mount a spherical pull-element 67.

' VIn using an assembly of this nature, wire 20'is pulled to project needle 19.' With'the site of injectionhaving been chosen and the wire having been folded back around stopper 62, the needle will be locked against displacement. The needle may now be plunged through the epidermis into the tissues as in Fig. 10. Now, if a pull is exerted upon wire 66, piston stopper 64 will project. Therefore, the solution within the ampule will be forced through the bore of the cannulav into the tissues or vein. As will be.. understood, the parts may operate in thismanner without diiculty because, as indicatedinFig. 10, a pull on wire 66 in a lateral direction will still transmit adequate i l force to piston stopper 64 due to the preferablyeccentric disposition of needle 19. Therefore, with the needle to-one side of the center zone ofthe stopper and wire 66 upon the vopposite side', no diflcultywill be experienced inproperly piercing the tissues to the desired depth While yat the same time having suflcient space to assure a projection of the stopper 64.

An apparatus such as in Figs. 9 and 10 will, of course, not permit of aspiration. However,vthe structure may be modified so that this result will obtain. Thus, as

in Fig. 11, wire 66-maybe continued materially beyond stopper 64 and have at its-rear end-a second actuating or spherical element 68. In addition to plate 65 a forward plate 69 may -be disposed ladjacent piston 64 and wire 66 secured so as to shift stopper 64 in either direction according to Whether a pull is exerted on element 67 or 68. The procedure with respect to the parts will be precisely the lsat-ne as` heretofore described in connection with Figs. 9 and 10. Additionally, however, after penetration ofthe tissues has once been effected, an operator may, by pulling upon element 68, retract stopper 64. This results in an aspirating action. Thereafter, by pull ing on element 67, injection will occur.

Thus, it is lapparent that among others the several objects of the invention as specifically afore noted are achieved. Obviously numerous 'changes in construction and rearrangements` of the parts may be resorted to without departing from (the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims: Iclaim:

1. In a syringe assembly in combination a medicament container, a wall closing one endof said container, a hollow needle within said container and having its outer pointed end disposed adjacent said wall and means extending forwardly of'sai-d wall for projecting said needle therethrough. l

2. In a syringe assembly in combination a medicament container, a wall closing one end of said container, a hollow needle within said container and having its outer pointed end disposed adjacent said wall, a member se-.

cured to said needle -at a point to the rear of its outer end and said member extending adjacent and beyond said wall whereby upon a pull being exerted upon saidI member, said needle will pierce said wall and be projected beyond the same.

3. In a syringe assembly in combination a container closing member, a hypodermic needle disposed adjacent the same, a flexible cord-like pulling member ixedly secured to said needle and lsaid member being slidably supported by said closing member to project said needle.

4. In a syringe assembly in combination a container closingY element, a hypodermic needle disposed adjacent the same, a flexible cord-like projecting member tixedly secured to said needle, said member being slidably supported by sai-d element and digital gripping means secured to said member at a point beyond said element.

`5. In a syringe assembly in combination a container closing element, a hypodermic needle disposed adjacent the same, a exible projecting member secured to said needle, said member being slidably supported by said element and said element being formed with a recess in its rear face against which the surfaces of the needle adjacent its rear end bear in supporting relationship as said needle is caused to slidably project by a pull exerted upon said member.

6. In a syringe assembly in combination a containerv closing element, a hypodermic needle disposed adjacent the same, a exible projecting member secured to said tending beyond the latter and said member being formed` of exible material.

8. In a syringe assembly in combination a stopper for a container, said stopper being formed with a recess in its rear face, a pierceable diaphragm portion defining the y base of said recess, a hypodermic needle having its body projecting into said recess and with its pointed outer end adjacent said'diaphragm, a flexible pulling member having a rear portion attached to the body of said needle at a point short of said recess andi said member; extending in-sliding Vrela'tionshippto said stopper and beyond Athe outer-face ofthe same. l

4`9. .In a syringe` assembly incombination a stopper for a container, said stopper` being formed with a recess in its rear face, a pierceable-diaphragm portion'deiining the base of said recess, a hypodermic needle having its body projecting into saidi recess .and .withits pointedouter end adjacent said diaphragm, a exible pulling member having an otfsetrear portion attached `to the body of said needle at a point short of said recess, said member extending in sliding relationshiptosaid stopperand beyond` the outer face of the same whereby upon Ya pull being exerted upon s aidzmember said `needle will Ibe projected through .saiddiaphrafgm portion to` extend beyond theouter face of said'stopper and said offset portion bearing against the rear faceA of said stopper in `such projected position ofthe parts to support the adjacentfends of said needle and member. i

10. In a syringe assembly in I,combination a stopper for a container, said stopper beingformed witha recess in its rear face, a pierceable diaphragm` portion defining the base of ,said recess, a hypodermic needle having .its body projecting into said 'recess and with its pointed ,outer` end adjacent'said diaphragm, a eXiblepullingQmembe'r having a rear` portion. attached tothe body oisaidneedle at a point short of said recess, said member extending in sliding relationship to said stopper andbeyond 'theA outer face of the same, a pull portion forming a part ofsaid member beyond the outer stopper face whereby}said needle maybe projected through said diaphragm portion and extends beyond said stopper and meansiorminga part of said` stopper formaintaining,thelatten against movement 'with respect to a container to vwhich it is applied. p t

l1. In a syringe .assembly in combination, aflexible container `having a pierceable outer wall a needle vdisposed `within said container and having a pointedend disposed adjacent said wall and a pulling member extending through said wall and having its inner end attached closure member to a point beyond the, same, a holder to` support and receive saidpcontainer and provided with an opening through .which said member may extend 4and means for securing said member against ,movement with respect to said holder.

13.'In a syringe assembly inv combination aV conrainer for medicament, a pierceable closure disposed adjacent one end of said container, a hypodermic needleV havingits pointed end adjacent said closure audits body within said container, a pulling member` connected with said needle within said container and extending through said closure member. to a point beyond the same, a holder to support and receive said container and provided .with an opening through which said member may, extend, a piston mounted by said container, said pistonV being formed with a cup-shaped recess in its outer face, a plunger having a part to extend into said recess and means associated with said plunger for clampingfthe lips of .said cup in engagement withsaid parts whereby to secure said piston against movement with respect to said plunger as the latter is projected .and retracted.

14. In a syringeassembly in combination a container,l

a pierceable closure adjacentbne .end .ofl saidcontainer, ahypoderrnic. `needlehaving Aitspointed .end disposed adjacent saidY closure `and lits body `extending into said container, a pulling member secured rto `the body of said needle and extendingv in sliding relationship with respect to said closure and beyond the same, avstopper Within said container and spaced from said closure to divide `the container into compartments and a sealing element connected .to said. pulling member and engaging with the surfaces of said stopper to normally prevent movement of fluid from one compartment to another.

15. As an article of manufacture for. use ina syringe assembly as defined Vin claim l, ajhollow needle having a pointed outer end, a pulling memberconnected to said needle to the rear of its point, a closure supporting said needle and member and coupling -means supported by said closure and connectable with a piston for shifting the latter.

16. A syringe assembly including in combination, a member providing a chamber for medicament, ,a needle disposed adjacentone end of said member, meansfor sealing that end of themember, a pistonadjacent the opposite end of said member and tlexible actuating means operatively connected to said piston and` extending adjacent said one end of the member for shifting said piston with respect to said member.

17. A syringe assembly including in combination a bored barrel, a pierceableclosure mounted adjacent the forward end of .said barrel, a piston slidably supported within the boreof and adjacent the rear end of the barrel, a hollow needle disposed within the barrel bore withits pointed end adjacent said closure and its rear end spaced from and disposed forwardly of said piston and means extendingforwardly adjacent said closure and beyond said barrel for projecting said needle through said closure.

v18. A syringe assembly including in combination `a bored barrel, a pierceable closure mounted adjacent the forward end of said barrel, a piston slidably supported within the bore of and adjacent the rear end of the barrel, a hollow needle disposed within the barrel bore with its pointed end adjacent saidclosure and. its rear end spaced from and disposed `forwardly of said piston, means extendingforwardly adjacent said closure and beyond said barrel for projecting said needle through said closure, the inner face of said closure being formed.with a recess having a diameter such that it may `snugly embrace the needle and said needle throughout a zone adjacent its pointed end being disposed Within said recess.

19. A syringe assembly including in combination a bored barrel, a pierceable `closure mounted adjacent the forwardend of said barrel, a piston slidably supported within the bore of and adjacent the rear end'of'the barrel, a hollow needle disposed within the barrel 4bore withits pointed `end adjacent said closure and its rear .end` spaced from` and ldisposed forwardly of said piston, a member secured to Ysaid needle adjacent the rear end ofthe latter and `saidfmember extending forwardly beyond said closure and in slidable relationship with` respect to the same whereby a pull exerted upon said member `at a point beyond said closure will cause the pointed end ofsaidneedle to penetrate said closure and project forwardly of said barrel.

vReferences Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

